Dikshit calls for ‘gender mainstreaming in disaster management’

New Delhi, Aug 8(IANS)’Ladies be aware about disaster’ was the message Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit gave Friday as she inaugurated a workshop on ‘Gender Mainstreaming in Disaster Management’ here. Dikshit underlined the need for channelising information about all aspects of disasters as awareness can mitigate disaster effect.

“It is essential to develop gender mainstreaming in disaster management as we know that both men and women are psychologically affected during disasters. The cultural beliefs make women more susceptible to disaster,” Dikshit said.

“It is essential for women to involve themselves during disaster management as it would help in minimizing effect of disaster,” she said.

“It is also evident that women suffer during disasters due to lack of information and awareness,” she said.

The chief minister further stated that though disasters couldn’t be predicted we can make adequate preparation for disaster management.

She exhorted NGOs and concerned agencies to make women understand the effects of disaster.

Representatives of government agencies such as NDMC, MCD, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, Home Guards & Civil Defence and school children participated in the daylong workshop.

Dikshit also released a booklet titled “Women Participation in Disaster Management” at the occasion.

“The government would provide all support in spreading information on disaster management and would publicise instructions, do’s and don’ts by installing hoardings and distribution of pamphlets,” she added.